Flightcell Releases a Tailor-made Solution for Agriculture Aviators

22 June 2016

Flightcell International Ltd, of Nelson, New Zealand, has announced the release of a communications solution for top dressing operators worldwide. In doing so, Flightcell is making the industry safer and eliminating the need for manual records. This development was made possible by collaboration with industry and technology partners Aerospread, Napier and TracPlus, Dunedin.

At the heart of this solution is the Flightcell DZMx; the world’s only aviation communications system providing Iridium satellite and cellular communications with remote GPS tracking capability. An additional software application in the DZMx provides top dressing operators with automatic and real-time reporting of key event and location information. Data is collected and analysed from a combination of on-board sensors, the aircraft’s location, and external wireless feeds from fertiliser loaders. The data is transmitted back to base over satellite when in remote locations and cleverly switched over to cellular networks when in range.

Although Pilots can view their load weights from the cockpit, everything is remotely monitored from base operations. In the past, pilots had to manually record and fill in flight documents, whereas now all relevant data is automatically sent off the aircraft. This system also interfaces with third party aircraft systems that help automate and improve aircraft maintenance.

"The DZMx is a pretty cool piece of kit” says Bruce Peterson, Managing Director, Aerospread. “This system is an enabler for economic success. Just recently we noticed a pilot was being affected by wind and the job was becoming uneconomical, as a result of this data, we were able to direct him to another, more profitable, location. From a safety perspective we can ensure the aircraft are not being overloaded and in the event of an accident the rescue helicopter can be directed to the exact location in a matter of minutes”.

Flightcell is anticipating widespread adoption of the system starting with New Zealand agricultural aviators. Flightcell will be showcasing the solution at the New Zealand Aviation Conference in Wellington next week. For more information, contact Flightcell International Limited, phone +64 3 545 8651, email info@flightcell.com, or visit their website: www.flightcell.com.

About Flightcell InternationalFlightcell International is a global producer of airborne integrated-mobile communications, providing satellite and cellular data, voice and tracking to over 3500 commercial and military aircraft worldwide. Flightcell are the innovators and manufacturers of Flightcell DZMx, the world’s only all-in-one Iridium and Cellular solution for voice, data, and aircraft tracking. Visit www.flightcell.com or call +64 3 5458651

About AerospreadAerospread are aerial top dressing specialists with bases in Napier and Wiapukurau. They serve the Hawkes Bay area and beyond and they operate New Zealand built PAC Cresco 750 aircraft. Aerospread are constantly improving efficiency and adoption new technology, such as application software and weight saving hardware. They are committed to reducing risk and creating and industry leading safe work environment and they are a founding member of AIRCARE.

About TracPlusTracPlus is a real-time tracking service provider using the latest satellite, web and mobile technology. They deliver secure global tracking information, visible on a range of user devices, to private, business, military and government customers worldwide. TracPlus tracks land, sea and air assets including personnel, no matter where they are in the world and their customers experience 24/7 support - 365 days a year.